Language Body Joint Communiqué 5 December 2000

North/South Bodies

Language Sector

Foras Na Gaeilge & Tha Boord O Ulstèr-Scotch

Introduction

The Council meets in the Language Sector in order to take decisions on policies and action to be implemented by the North/South Language Body with its two agencies - Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch.

The Language Body is a single Body reporting to the NSMC, but composed of two separate and largely autonomous agencies: the Irish Language Agency, Foras na Gaeilge, and the Ulster-Scots Agency, Tha Boord O Ulster-Scotch.

Foras na Gaeilge, which took over the functions of Bord na Gaeilge, has responsibility for the promotion of the Irish language on an all-island basis. Tha Boord O Ulster-Scotch has responsibility for the promotion of greater awareness in the use of Ullans and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues, both within Northern Ireland and throughout the island.

When fully operational it is proposed that the Body will have a projected staff of 77, of which 65 will work with Foras na Gaeilge and 12 will work with Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch.

Foras Na GaeilgeFunctions/Objectives

Foras na Gaeilge has the objective of promoting the Irish language on an all-island basis. As well as taking over the functions of Bord na Gaeilge, a wide range of functions were given to the Agency to add to its effectiveness in the promotion of Irish, for example, in the area of education, dictionaries and terminology. It also took over the functions of An Gúm in relation to publications.

Maighréad Uí Mháirtín is Chair of Foras na Gaeilge and there are 15 other members on the Board. The Agency's Chief Executive is Seosamh MacDonncha. Major reconstruction work was undertaken at the Agency's headquarters at 7 Merrion Square, Dublin and, with the assistance of the Department of Arts, Culture and Leisure, it is hoped to take possession of suitable temporary premises in Belfast.

Tha Boord o Ulstèr-ScotchFunctions/Objectives

The legislative remit of the Ulster-Scots Agency is "the promotion of greater awareness and the use of Ullans and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues, both within Northern Ireland and throughout the island".

Lord Laird of Artigarvan is the Chair of the Ulster-Scots Agency and there are 7 other members on the Board.

The Agency has established its main office in Belfast and will have a subsidiary office in Donegal. The Agency currently employs four members of staff and it is planned to recruit further members of staff in order to deliver the programme of work which is set out in the Agency's Corporate Plan. The Agency also developed its corporate identity during the past year.

The Agency, in partnership with the University of Ulster, has established the Institute of Ulster-Scots studies at the Magee Campus. The Agency is also undertaking the development of strategies for linguistic and educational programs and research.